TOPEKA (KSNT) – City staff are starting the process of reviewing utility rates as they look to establish new rates for 2027.
The City of Topeka announced in a press release on May 6 that its staffers are starting the public review and establishment of new utility rates set to take effect next year. The entire process includes multiple steps that includes public meetings, presentations and time for community feedback before the city’s governing body makes any decisions on the topic.
“No decisions have been made regarding future utility rates,” said City Manager Robert Perez. “This process is designed to gather information, evaluate needs, and hear directly from residents and businesses before any recommendations are developed.”
Big cat at Topeka Zoo to leave soon, here’s why
City officials will be hosting four meetings with members of the community throughout the month of May to gather public sentiment on utility rates. Each meeting will start with a presentation followed by an open discussion period, time for questions and opportunities for public feedback.
- Wednesday, May 13
- Hillcrest Community Center at 1800 SE 21st St.
- 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 16
- Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, Marvin Auditorium 101A at 1515 SW 10th Ave.
- 10:30 a.m. to noon
- Wednesday, May 20
- Crestview Community Center at 4801 SW Shunga Dr.
- 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Thursday, May 21
- Garfield Community Center at 1600 NE Quincy St.
- 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The City of Topeka said that utility rates support the maintenance, operation and improvement of the city’s water, wastewater and stormwater systems. This includes infrastructure maintenance and replacement, treatment and delivery of clean water, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, regulatory compliance and other day-to-day operations.
City staff will provide analysis and recommendations to the city’s governing body following the public meeting period. City leaders will then discuss the topic further before making a final decision on the 2027 utility rates.
24 new townhomes could be coming to east Topeka, what to know
The City of Topeka will be providing updates on this process on its website, including upcoming meeting dates, presentation materials and other updates as the process continues. People who want to provide input on the topic, but can’t attend a meeting in person, can send an email to citycommunications@topeka.org.
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf
